12 Essentials for Visiting San Sebastian

In northern Spain, San Sebastian (San Sebastian) is a beautiful seaside destination with its exceptional natural landscapes and its typical architecture. Between relaxation on one of the most beautiful beaches in Europecultural visits, surfing sessions or even pintxo tastings, you have every chance of enjoying your stay in the Basque Country by choosing San Sebastian. From La Concha beach to the old town, we invite you to discover our selection of 12 essential places to visit San Sebastian.

#1 San Sebastian Old Town

The first must-see for visiting San Sebastian, the old town is the place where you can find all the authentic atmosphere of the city and discover many remarkable buildings. In the old town, we advise you to take your time and wander around as you wish. Stroll through the typical little streets, stop at a tapas bar and take a break on the Place de la Constitution. Heart of the old town, the Constitution Square hosts the main celebrations in San Sebastian and allows you to enjoy a lively atmosphere throughout the year. Another very pleasant place near the narrow streets of the old townthe Alderdi Eder gardens are worth a nice stroll on a day when the climate in San Sebastian is sunny. You can then enjoy a magnificent view of the sea while being surrounded by nature and traditional buildings.

In the old town of San Sebastian you will also find the main religious buildings of the city. With its spire which rises to a height of 75 meters, you will first of all not be able to miss the magnificent Buen Pastor Cathedral. In neo-Gothic style, this religious building is really worth the visit. For its part, the Basilica of Santa Maria is one of the emblems of San Sebastian. With its mix of Gothic and Baroque, the basilica presents remarkable exterior architecture and an equally splendid interior. Finally, don't miss visiting the Saint-Vincent church also located in the old town of San Sebastian.

#2 La Concha beach

Unmissable when visiting San Sebastian, La Concha beach is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Long for more than a kilometer, this beach extends in a exceptional setting. Preserved in terms of weather conditions and located in the superb Concha Bay, it is ideal for a moment of relaxation with family or friends, for swimming or for practicing water sports. Note that from La Concha beach, you will also benefit from the best view of the island of Santa Clara located just opposite in the bay.

#3 The Miramar Palace

The Miramar Palace is one of the most remarkable buildings in San Sebastian. In neo-Gothic style, this palace was built in 1893. Perfectly restored, it now hosts many private events. If the interior is not freely open to visitors, we still suggest that you take the time to discover the beautiful gardens which surround the building and to admire the exceptional architecture of the palace. From the gardens, you will also have the chance to benefit from one of the most beautiful panoramas of La Concha beach.

#4 Mount Igueldo

To gain some height over San Sebastian and offer yourself a spectacular view of La Concha Bay, we then advise you to go to Mount Igueldo. To get there, you can borrow a authentic funicular. Built in 1912, the funicular allows you to reach the summit of Mount Igueldo, offering you a great experience. Arriving at the top, a nice surprise awaits young and old alike since you can have fun in the Monte Igueldo Attraction Park. Between rides and attractions, this park allows you to enjoy a wonderful moment of relaxation in a superb Belle Époque setting.

#5 The San Sebastian Aquarium

If you are looking for family outings in Spain, the aquarium is a must when visiting San Sebastian. Located on the port, this aquarium is simply one of the most beautiful in Europe. The highlight of your visit is that you can pass through a tunnel to feel immersed with sharks and rays. After your discovery of the San Sebastian Aquarium, we suggest you take advantage of the port. Between boats, fishermen's houses and restaurants, the port of San Sebastian is indeed very authentic.

#6 Mount Urgull and Mota Castle

Another must-see for visiting San Sebastian, Mount Urgull is a hill which served as a rampart for the city. Different paths allow you to reach the top of this hill and benefit from an incredible panorama when the climate in Spain is pleasant. Be careful, note that these paths climb a lot and can be steep. This hike is therefore not recommended if you are not at least sporty or with young children. Built at the top of Mount Urgull, you will find the Mota castle where you can learn more about San Sebastian by visiting it.

#7 The San Telmo Museum

Housed in a former convent, the San Telmo Museum allows you to discover Basque culture. Between history and modernity, this museum superbly highlights local culture and allows you to immerse yourself in Basque history and traditions.

#8 Other museums in San Sebastian

Lovers of cultural visits, San Sebastian is a city that offers a very wide diversity of museums. Depending on your wishes, you can, for example, visit the house of history focused on the history of the city and its inhabitants. We also recommend the Cristobal Balenciaga Museum if you like fashion. As a family, the science museum is a very interesting visit to plan while you can enjoy a beautiful walk on the port to discover the Naval Museum.

#9 The Paseo Maritimo and the Wind Comb

The Paseo Maritimo is the ideal place in San Sebastian for a seaside promenade. On this walk, you will have the chance to follow the superb bay of La Concha and cross pretty gardens. At the end of the Paseo Maritimo, the Comb of the Wind is worth a break to admire the waves and recharge your batteries. THE Wind Comb is also known for its three enormous steel sculptures in the rocks that you won't be able to miss. Art lovers, note that San Sebastian is a true museum of contemporary art outdoors. During your walks you will be able to admire numerous modern sculptures while controlling your budget in San Sebastian. Among his works, we suggest you look for the sculpture Empty Construction.

#10 Surfing

Surfing is one of the key activities to practice in the Basque Country. In San Sebastian, we advise you to head towards the Zurriola beacha superb surf spot. Whether you want to take surf lessons, surf on your own or just watch the surfers in a lovely relaxed atmosphere, Zurriola Beach is a great place. A favorite meeting place for young locals, you will find a lively and friendly atmosphere there.

#11 Pintxos

Another must-see when visiting San Sebastian, pintxos or tapas are inevitably part of the local culture. Everywhere in the center of San Sebastian you will find pintxo bars to taste this specialty in a very pleasant atmosphere.

#12 An excursion to Bilbao

During your trip to San Sebastian, we finally suggest that you treat yourself to a day trip to Bilbao. This city is indeed home to many gems including the famous Guggenheim Museum. With its ultra-modern architecture, the Guggenheim Museum is one of the essential visits in Spain. If you like contemporary artyou will love this museum both for its rich collections and for its overall architecture. In Bilbao, also take the time to leisurely stroll through the old town and discover the Santiago Cathedral. Museum lovers, like San Sebastian, this city offers a wide range of options. During your excursion, do not hesitate to visit, for example, the Museum of Fine Arts or the Maritime Museum.

And you, what will be your program for visiting San Sebastian? To continue your itinerary after your discovery of San Sebastian, you can also take inspiration from our ideas for visits to Spain and our article on the most beautiful villages in the Spanish Basque Country.